Bases dating relationship

In a dating relationship, self-gratification is normally the basis of the relationship.

Instead of focusing on God’s pleasure, the couple is often looking for personal pleasure.

"A relationship between a man and a woman in which they seek to determine if it is God’s will for them to marry each other" puts marriage on the table when the couple have not yet committed to such an end.

A dating relationship is usually based only on what the dating couple presently knows about each other.

In contrast, a Biblical courtship is based on what God knows about each partner and on His plans for their futures.

As they establish guidelines for their relationship, they can more easily recognize that God also holds them responsible to honor one another.

Receiving God’s grace and the support of others strengthens them to maintain their commitment to purity.

This oblivious self-centeredness can lead only to dissatisfaction, promoting an attitude of lust (taking what I want) rather than the Scriptural attitude of love (giving unselfishly to others).

Consequently, dating opens the door to many temptations.

(See II Corinthians 5:7, Psalm , Romans , Psalm 13, and I John 4:8.) Because each individual, family, and set of circumstances is unique, each courtship will be unique.

While those who choose courtship will hold to general guidelines for the relationship, their specific choices about when, where, and how to court may differ according to their needs and circumstances.

A courting couple can evade numerous temptations by the choice to be held accountable to God-given authorities.